Harper Adams Students Receive Work Placement Awards 2003/4

Posted 28 June 2004

Four Harper Adams University College students have been honoured for their outstanding performance whilst on work placement with top companies. Each has been awarded one of the college’s coveted annual Placement Awards 2003/4.

Maeve Moran receives the Andrew Lewis Trophy from Sheila Lewis.

Maeve Moran, a final year student at the Shropshire college studying BSc Agriculture with Animal Science, was awarded the Andrew Lewis Trophy in recognition of her outstanding performance whilst on placement with JA & O Griffiths and Son, a large local egg producer.

The Andrew Lewis trophy is made in memory of Andrew Lewis, a former student at Harper Adams. Maeve, from Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland, was presented with the award at a luncheon on June 3 by Sheila Lewis, the benefactor of the trophy, which was first awarded in 1984.

Dr Russell Readman, Agricultural Placement Manager at Harper Adams, said: “Maeve made a significant contribution to the Griffiths business whilst on placement. She was responsible for developing and implementing systems to monitor production data, to allow the business to respond more effectively to production trends and market requirements on a day to day basis. The systems developed continue to be used by the business today. Maeve also completed three pieces of written work to a high standard which contributed to her overall mark.”

Maeve initially studied at Harper Adams on the University Access course from 2000-2001. Following very successful completion of this course she progressed to the BSc Agriculture with Animal Science course.

NatWest Bank Awards were also presented to three HND Agriculture students considered to have achieved the best overall performance on work placement.

The overall winner was Kate Chapman, who is studying HND Agriculture with Land and Farm Management. Kate, from Barnwell, Peterborough, undertook her placement with Kemp Herbs, Thetford, Norfolk. Before starting her HND Kate completed an NCA at Moulton College, Northamptonshire and then the University Access Course at Harper Adams. Previous work experience included working on her family’s home farm, and a grain sampling job with a local grain merchant.

The panel of judges were particularly impressed with the range of skills and confidence developed by Kate during her placement. They also praised Kate’s contribution to the development of various systems within the Kemp Herbs business.

Following completion of her HND studies, Kate intends to top-up to BSc Agriculture with Agricultural Marketing at Harper Adams.

Second place was awarded to Peter Pointen, from Melton Constable, Norfolk. Peter, who is studying HND Agriculture, undertook his placement with BASF, as an agronomy trials assistant.

Before starting the HND at Harper Adams, Peter completed an NDA at Easton College, Norfolk. Previous work experience includes work on large arable farms local to home and seven months dairy experience in New Zealand.

Peter intends to continue to work in the arable trials sector after graduating and has secured a job with SW Semundo, as assistant to the Trials Manager.

James Taylor, studying HND Agriculture with Animal Production, was awarded third place. James, from Portrush, Co. Antrim, N Ireland, undertook his placement with B and H Hocken, Taranaki, New Zealand, a large beef and sheep farm. The placement was organised through AgriVenture.

Previous work experience included work on the home farm, a mixed farm, and work for a local pedigree Belgian Blue breeder, including showing and sales. Following completion of his HND studies, James intends to top-up to BSc Agriculture at Harper Adams, before returning to the home farm.

Prizes of £200, £100 and £50 were awarded for first, second and third place respectively. The awards were presented by Mr Martin Doyle, NatWest Regional Agricultural Manager, at a luncheon on June 3.

The college is grateful to NatWest Bank for their very generous sponsorship of prizes for this award.

Ends

Note to Editors

NatWest Bank Awards: The top three students were selected on the basis of their performance in an interview before a panel of three judges – Mr Robert Nelson, local NatWest Agricultural Manager, Mr Bob Slater a past placement employer and current Farm Conservation Adviser with FWAG, and Professor Wynne Jones, Principal at Harper Adams University. The interview is very broad and encompasses experience on placement, technical knowledge and awareness of current agricultural issues.

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